Mesmerizing Ladakh – Part 3: The Enchanting Pangong Lake

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is the most beautiful lake in Ladakh, with its enchanting blue colour and the picturesque landscape surrounding it. Pangong Tso, literally meaning “enchanted lake”. It is located 175 km from Leh and can be reached in a five hour drive from Leh. This rough and dramatic mountain road traverses the Chang La, one of the highest passes in Ladakh at an elevation of 17586 feet. Chang La literally means “Pass towards the South”. But many claim that it is named after Changla Baba a sadhu, in whose name a small temple is dedicated at the pass. Most of the travelers visit the temple to have the blessings of the baba for a safe passage.

The maximum length of the lake is 134 km and extends from India to China. Approximately 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km wide at its broadest point. All together it covers 604 km2 . During the winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.

There is no accommodation available at the lake. However there is camping facility available and you can book in advance one of the tents. We had booked in one of these tents for a night. Make sure you have enough warm clothes as the night winds are freezing.

A picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong LakeA picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong LakeA picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong LakeA picturesque meadow on the way to Leh to Pangong LakeOn the way to Pangong LakeOn the way to Pangong LakeOn the way to Pangong LakeAt Chang La PassChang La TopThe Tibetan prayer flags at the passTemple of Changla BabaTemple of Changla BabaTemple of Changla BabaTemple of Changla BabaTemple of Changla BabaStones by the Indian ArmyStones by the Indian ArmyStones by the Indian ArmySnow caped mountains – view from Chang La PassSnow caped mountains – view from Chang La PassWild flowersGracing sheep and Pashmina goatsGracing sheep and Pashmina goatsWe met him on the road side and was happy to share with him some chocolates and juiceCamping facilities at the lakeCamping facilities at the lake – our tentCamping facilities at the lake – mess hallCamping facilities at the lakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong LakePangong Lake